Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), 2009

It's hard to believe, but the month of April is almost over, which also marks the end of Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM). WAER wants to finish this month with a special finale of JAM programming. Read on to find out how we're gonna send April off in style, and welcome May with the best in Jazz Programming.

Butch Miles

On Tuesday, April 28, at Noon tune in to 88.3 FM to catch "The United States Air Force Band Jazz Heritage Series - Butch Miles."

The legendary drummer Butch Miles continues to attract worldwide attention.

Playing with such luminaries as Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dave Brubeck, Mel Torme, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney and others, Miles displays the maturity of his experience with youthful imagination and unending energy.

As the drummer for the world-famous Count Basie Orchestra (1975-1979 and 1997-2007), Miles quickly became renowned for his swinging big band style and techniques.

He travels for the Ludwig Drum Company giving clinics and concerts worldwide. Miles was honored by the State of Texas Senate in 2005 for his accomplishments as a drummer, and he is currently a faculty member in jazz studies, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.

To learn more about Butch Miles, CLICK HERE.

Miles Davis

On Thursday, April 30, at Noon tune into WAER to listen to "Miles Davis - Kind of Blue 50th Anniversary special."

On two days in the spring of 1959, after a string of critically acclaimed and successful albums, Miles Davis recorded what would become Kind of Blue. Nothing would ever be the same - for jazz or for Miles Davis.

There's no real way to tell why a record captures the imagination and attention of the world. Some do, some don't. Miles Davis constantly recorded music, and almost all of it added to his popularity and critical acclaim. But over the years, Kind of Blue found a larger and larger audience. Soon enough, it became the best selling jazz album of all time.

Through interviews with musicians Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Cobb, Jackie McLean, David Amram and others, you will hear the story of the making of Kind of Blue, as well as the lasting impact of this classic jazz staple.

To learn more about Miles Davis, CLICK HERE.

JAM

Jazz Appreciation Month began as a Smithsonian Institution initiative with a simple concept: designate one month for an annual public spotlight on jazz. Jazz Appreciation Month (or JAM) is intended to draw public attention to the glories of jazz as both a historical and a living treasure. The idea is to encourage musicians, concert halls, schools, colleges, museums, libraries, and public broadcasters to offer special programs on jazz every April. JAM is also nationally recognized, as the U.S. Congress passed legislation signed by the President in '03 to recognize Jazz Appreciation Month. For more information on JAM, check out www.smithsonianjazz.org.

To reflect back on all the great Jazz Appreciation Month Programming that WAER brought you this year during JAM, CLICK HERE!